Louisville Zoo - a couple of lions sitting on top of a wooden structure
1 / 10

Louisville Zoo

4.5
·13k reviews·Louisville, United States

A vibrant zoo featuring diverse animal habitats, interactive exhibits like Dinopalooza, and a fun splash park for families.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more active animals

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Louisville Zoo - a couple of lions sitting on top of a wooden structure

Louisville Zoo

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more active animals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant zoo featuring diverse animal habitats, interactive exhibits like Dinopalooza, and a fun splash park for families.

4.5
(13k reviews)

"A great zoo with awesome exhibits, perfect for a family day out!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Louisville Zoo tickets in advance online.

🍎 Pack Your Own Food

Bring your own food and coolers to enjoy a picnic and save on dining costs.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Polar Bear Exhibit

Polar Bear Exhibit

Glacier Run

Watch the majestic polar bears swim and play in their icy habitat. A definite crowd-pleaser!

Giraffe Feeding

Giraffe Feeding

African Savannah

An unforgettable opportunity to feed these gentle giants up close. A highlight for many visitors!

Dinopalooza

Dinopalooza

Various locations

Step back in time with life-size animatronic dinosaurs that will thrill all ages. A roaring good time!

Splash Park

Splash Park

Near playgrounds

Cool off on a hot day at this fun splash pad, perfect for kids to run and play.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit during off-peak hours or weekdays for a more relaxed experience. Summer days can be hot, so plan for water activities and indoor exhibits. Consider visiting in cooler months for fewer crowds and more active animals.Reddit

Maximize Your Visit

Purchase tickets online to save time. Bring your own food and coolers to save money. Check the zoo's schedule for animal talks and feeding demonstrations for an enhanced experience.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Crowd
Low
When
Cooler months (fall/winter)
Why
Empty zoo, active animals
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Splash park fun
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

louisville Zoo never disappoints @Louisville Zoo #funthingstodoky #louisvillezoo #louisvillekentucky #funthingstodowithkids #louisvillemoms #sahmlife #louisvilleky
@gabbypitt
58 likes • 3.1K views

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Louisville Zoo tickets in advance online. Reddit

🍎 Pack Your Own Food

Bring your own food and coolers to enjoy a picnic and save on dining costs. Reddit

We loved seeing Fitz at @Louisville Zoo and miss him so much! #louisville #zoo #louisvillezoo #elephant #baby #butterfly
@noodleknowsnovels
83.1K likes • 348.9K views
❄️More snowy fun from your Louisville Zoo! ❄️ Check out this great Amur tiger update from keeper Angela Johnson. You'll want to watch until the end for this one! 🐯
louisvillezooofficial
5.9K likes • 70.5K views

💦 Don't Forget Swimsuits!

Kids will love the splash pad, so pack a change of clothes and swimsuits for a fun water break. InstagramReddit

🦒 Giraffe Feeding Fun

Feeding the giraffes is a popular activity, though it can get a bit disorganized with crowds. Reddit

Dinopalooza 🦖 @louisvillezooofficial 📍1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville KY 40213 The zoo is a quick trip across the bridge for us here in SoIN! Pro tip: bring your suits and hit up the splash pad in the park! Then grab a dole whip afterwards 🍦 It’s the perfect way to cool off in this hot summer heat! Have you checked out the Dinopalooza exhibits yet?! #southernindiana #midwestblogger #indiana ...
keepingupinsoin
45 likes • 3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Louisville Zoo tickets in advance online. Reddit

🍎 Pack Your Own Food

Bring your own food and coolers to enjoy a picnic and save on dining costs. Reddit

💦 Don't Forget Swimsuits!

Kids will love the splash pad, so pack a change of clothes and swimsuits for a fun water break. InstagramReddit

🦒 Giraffe Feeding Fun

Feeding the giraffes is a popular activity, though it can get a bit disorganized with crowds. Reddit

🐻 Winter Wonders

Winter is a great time to visit with fewer crowds and many animals still active, especially in cooler weather. Reddit

🐘 Elephant Exhibit Status

The elephant exhibit may occasionally be closed for various reasons; check ahead if it's a must-see. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Tram for Hills

Utilize the tram to navigate the zoo's hills and save energy, especially with little ones. Reddit

💡 Check Animal Talks

Attend animal talks and demonstrations for closer encounters and educational insights. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(13k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally praise the Louisville Zoo for its clean grounds, engaging animal exhibits, and family-friendly atmosphere. Highlights include the polar bears, giraffes, and the splash park. Some minor issues noted are occasional disorganization during popular feeding times and the functionality of some accessibility features.

"Great little getaway with my family! I like that you can bring in your own food and coolers. The opportunities to feed the giraffes and birds were absolutely awesome and well priced. It was $3. That's very affordable.
The only complaint I had was over half of the buttons that open the doors for a wheelchair did not work, and we had a family member in a wheelchair."

Jenn O

"Had an amazing time watching the animals. Very clean. The elephant exhibit was closed for for reason but the rest of the animals were out and about so we seen most all of them. Great place to walk and get out of the house. Kids have a splash pad if you go so I suggest a change of clothes for them"

Donna Weller

"We went from open to close and managed to walk through everything only avoiding the park and splash park area (we wanted to see every exhibit). Kids had a great time. Would recommend buying tickets online. There are member discounts on things like camel ride , giraffe feeding and tight rope walk . If you frequent location I’d recommend getting membership"

Rosie Castillo

What People Like

Clean and well-maintained
Engaging animal exhibits
Family-friendly attractions

What People Dislike

Occasional disorganization
Accessibility button issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Louisville Zoo is located at 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213.Instagram It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available (though there is a fee). Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the zoo.

Yes, the Louisville Zoo offers parking for visitors. While there is a fee for parking, many visitors find it reasonable given the zoo's upkeep and animal care costs. Reddit

Louisville Zoo hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. TikTok

The zoo is generally accessible, but some visitors have noted that not all wheelchair-accessible buttons function correctly. Strollers are widely used by families. Reddit

Yes, the Louisville Zoo is generally stroller-friendly, with paved paths throughout most of the park. Families frequently use strollers to navigate the grounds. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Louisville Zoo admission prices can vary. It's recommended to check the official Louisville Zoo website for the most current ticket prices and any potential discounts. Some visitors mention prices around $12.50 in the off-season. Reddit

You can purchase Louisville Zoo tickets online through their official website, which is often recommended to save time. Tickets may also be available for purchase at the gate. Reddit

Look for potential discounts through memberships, AAA, or special promotions. Memberships can offer discounts on activities like camel rides and giraffe feeding. Reddit

Yes, the Louisville Zoo offers membership options, which can be a great value if you plan to visit frequently. Memberships often include perks and discounts on special attractions. Reddit

Absolutely! Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and coolers into the Louisville Zoo, which is a great way to save money. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors rave about the polar bears,TikTok+1 giraffes,TikTokInstagram elephants,TikTok+1 and gorillas.Instagram Other popular animals include tigers,Instagram sloths,TikTok and wallabies.TikTok

Yes! The zoo features a splash park,InstagramReddit playgrounds, and Dinopalooza with life-size animatronic dinosaurs.TikTokInstagram Animal talks and feeding sessions are also engaging for children. Reddit

Dinopalooza is an exhibit featuring numerous life-size animatronic dinosaurs, offering a prehistoric adventure for visitors of all ages. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the Louisville Zoo has a splash park that's perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Remember to bring swimsuits and a change of clothes! InstagramReddit

The zoo offers engaging animal talks and demonstrations, such as bear talks and seal shows, providing opportunities to see animals up close and learn from keepers. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and coolers to enjoy at the Louisville Zoo, which is a popular money-saving tip among visitors. Reddit

While you can bring your own food, the zoo also has dining facilities offering various options. Some visitors have enjoyed treats like Dole Whip. Instagram

Yes, there are restaurants and food stands located within the Louisville Zoo, offering convenient dining options during your visit. Reddit

Bringing your own food is the most budget-friendly option. Dining at the zoo's establishments will incur costs, but many find the prices reasonable for a zoo. Reddit

Some visitors have noted that asking for a straw might lead to a discussion about environmental conservation. It's best to be prepared for this possibility. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the polar bears,TikTok+1 graceful giraffes,TikTokInstagram and playful elephants.TikTok+1 The vibrant Dinopalooza exhibit also offers unique photo opportunities. TikTok

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged at the Louisville Zoo. Be mindful of any specific signage or keeper instructions regarding flash photography or close-up shots. TikTok

While most photography is permitted, always be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography directly at animals, as it can startle them. TikTok

Look for interactions like the orangutan observing a baby,Instagram gorillas using iPads,Instagram or the unique behaviors of birds TikTok and wallabies.TikTok The seasonal Wild Lights event also offers magical photo backdrops. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting, which is ideal for photography. This also coincides with times when animals may be more active. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Louisville Zoo is a top-tier family destination. The splash park is a must-do on hot days, so pack swimsuits and a change of clothes.InstagramReddit Dinopalooza offers a prehistoric adventure with life-size dinosaurs that kids will adore.TikTokInstagram Don't miss the chance to feed the giraffes TikTokReddit or birds for an interactive experience. Consider visiting during Boo at the Zoo for a festive Halloween outing.Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Save money by bringing your own food and coolers to the zoo; this is a frequently recommended tip.Reddit While there's a fee for parking, many visitors find it reasonable. Look for membership discounts if you plan to visit multiple times, as it can offer savings on special activities like giraffe feeding.Reddit The zoo's affordable animal feeding opportunities are also a great value. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Capture stunning wildlife shots of the polar bears,TikTok+1 giraffes,TikTokInstagram and tigers.Instagram The Dinopalooza exhibit provides unique, larger-than-life subjects.TikTok Look for candid moments like gorillas interacting with iPads Instagram or orangutans observing visitors.Instagram Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Seasonal Events at the Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo hosts several popular seasonal events that draw significant crowds and offer unique experiences. Wild Lights is a spectacular holiday light show that transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland with illuminated displays and festive decorations, typically running from November through January.TikTok+1 Another beloved event is Boo at the Zoo, a family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, and themed activities, usually held in October.Instagram These events are highly anticipated and often require separate ticket purchases, so it's wise to check the zoo's official calendar for dates and details well in advance.

Family Fun and Accessibility

The Louisville Zoo is a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of attractions to keep children entertained. The splash park is a major draw during warmer months, providing a fun way for kids to cool off.InstagramReddit Two playgrounds are also available near the dining areas.Reddit For those with mobility concerns, the zoo offers a tram service to help navigate the hilly terrain, though wait times can occur.Reddit While generally accessible, some visitors have noted that not all buttons for automatic doors were functioning, which could pose a challenge for wheelchair users.Reddit

Animal Encounters and Conservation

Beyond just viewing animals, the Louisville Zoo provides opportunities for engaging encounters. Giraffe feeding and bird feeding stations allow for up-close interactions, though the giraffe feeding can sometimes be disorganized due to crowd enthusiasm.Reddit The zoo also hosts animal talks and demonstrations, such as bear talks and seal shows, offering educational insights and closer views of the animals.Reddit The zoo is committed to conservation, and visitors can learn about various species and their habitats, including the efforts to care for animals like Fitz, a baby elephant who battled a life-threatening virus.TikTok+1

You may also like

1 of 2